Command Tent - Cavalry OOC thread

[Shivased]

Outside the Dragon Room, on a protected side of the formidable building, is a large tent. It's outside is decorated with the colours of each Eored, and ceorls and messengers can be seen coming and going constantly. Inside the tent is furnished with a large table sat right in the center and surrounded by comfortable chairs. Food and drinks are laid out for those who want it. This is the Command Tent. Set aside from the hustle and bustle of the Dragon Room but easily accessible, it is here for the Cavalry to discuss, plan and talk about anything and everything related to the Cavalry

This thread is for OOC Cavalry Chat and planning. A place we can talk and discuss the Cavalry and have it all in one place for ease of access and discussion. Think along the lines of:
~ RP coordination and planning in and out of Cavalry threads.
~ OOC questions, comments, queries.
~ Suggestions and ideas for RP, threads, etc.
~ Opinions and ideas about the future of the Cavalry.
~ Concerns and issues.
~ Really any OOC cavalry stuff you have.

This OP will get updated regularly with any ideas/discussions going on or things being planned for future, so they are easily visible for anyone who wants to see and doesn't want to look through the entire thread.

Upcoming RPGs
~ Training and Team Building Exercise - set for after the festival.

Rules
Really, these aren't needed, we are all able to function nicely together. But you all know me. I like rules. So here are the basics:
~ Cavalry and retired Cavalry only unless otherwise planned for (i.e. other people helping plan RPs, new members asking questions, etc.)
~ Be Nice. No yelling, insulting, throwing manure, etc. Those who do will be tossed into the void (or the manure pile, whichever one we're feeling like)
~ Plaza rules on fairness, acceptance, and all that apply.

[Allacan ob Burzum]

I guess I will bite first.

Thread/RPG Idea

I had an idea for an open cavalry RPG that would also include people who weren't in the cavalry, but my ideas for it are a bit vague and messy and it probably needs someone with a bit more experience of these kind of threads.

As part of their refresher training, the cavalry Pӕthfindians and all those cavalry people with Pӕthfindian training are playing hide and seek. The Pӕthfindians are each given a yellow ribbon to wear, and they must use their skills to hide themselves away from people and anyone. Everyone can join in the game (because they need to be skilled enough to hide from everyone, not just their comrades) to try and find them in a big game of hide and seek.

Mechanics-wise, it could either be a single story thread with dice rolls to determine the outcome, but that might be a bit too similar to the recent festival games. The other alternative is that the Pӕthfindians role-play a post in a kingdom thread with five specific cavalry-related words hidden in their post, like the thief hunts of old. Players could role-play in the thread 'finding' the Pӕthfindian and similarly post here with the five words and a link to the post of the Pӕthfindian they found and their role-play post finding them.

The game could also double-up as a speed-run Pӕthfindian training, if someone is interested in a vacancy they can role-play searching, tracking and hiding in place of the more traditional question and response.

EDIT:- Also, something else I just thought of:-

A question about ranks

Because this is something that came up in discussion with @Rowena Ellenweorc recently in which they forgot I had been a healer (nearly got away with slacking, lol);-

What ranks has everyone had in the past, regardless of whether you hold them currently or are even in the cavalry any more?

I'm curious for role-play reasons because sometimes its nice to have a connection with people both inside and outside the cavalry, and it can be useful to have this knowledge IC that your character would remember more than their forgetful player (and of course the old Dragon Rooms on the Wayback Machine don't like to co-operate so I can't find it through research). In the Campian thread I was able to take advantage of my knowledge that @Thalionwen once completed hӕland training to drag her (willingly) into healing the defeated competitors, but I don't know a lot about people like @Bereth and I can't remember all the ranks that @Aodh Hammerhelm and @Eléowyn held. I feel like Allacan would remember that sort of stuff. (Oh who am I kidding, I'm expecting yet more injuries in Campian and knowing who else I can welcome into the role-play would be good).

I'll start off, but its a long list.

I have been Sperewigend, Dryhtguma, Hӕland, Bealdorhӕland, Pӕthfindian, Ærest Pӕthfindian, Third Marshal, First Marshal and Larmaegister. Oh, and High Councillor of Military Affairs, if that counts. EDIT: All of which were in the Eastmark because Allacan is loyal to the Eored, even if it means waiting for @Taethowen to get promoted so I can move up (it looks like I am destined to always be one rank below you, freond )

[Shivased]

@Allafyrefleorhtlig I really like this idea! That could be a lot of fun, and end in a big inter-kingdom RPG between Rohan and Mordor. I've been wanting to plan something IK! Great way to exploit the whole time gap between Old Plaza and NuPlaza.

Also, along with the question of ranks, I would like everyone to list their former ranks/positions they have had (if any). Eventually promotions will happen, and we'd like an idea of what everyone has been. Given everyone has been either a marshal or other major rank, we want to make the best decisions we can.

@Gwai @Rowena Ellenweorc @Amadhrill @Elarith @Taethowen @Eldrith

[Eldrith]

I like the idea. Also Eldrith has never held rank. At least not in Rohan.

[Allacan ob Burzum]

@Shivased great minds think alike! I have amended my earlier post to include positions, because I assume you also wanted Eoreds?

Also, question - do we now allow players from other kingdoms to join the cavalry? I know for many years it was 'Rohir only' and I can't remember if that restriction was lifted in my time, but I feel like it would have been an obvious decision to take when the numbers on the plaza declined so much, so as to increase the number of players who could engage.

[Taethowen]

Ranks I have held:

Sperewigend 1st Class (not really a rank-rank, but at the time it was the first step toward actual ranks)
Pæthfindian
Ærest Pæthfindian
Third Marshal (I retired at this rank for RL reasons, namely no internet access)

Sperewigend - Ærest were all held in the Eastmark eored. I do not recall which eored I served as Marshal for, but I think it was not the Eastmark for some reason. But I can't get any old Dragon Room threads from that time to open.


I love @Allafyrefleorhtlig's idea for a paeth game to involve non-Cavalry people! The Cav is so sparse right now that it would be difficult to do something like that with just the members.

I have many other Cav-related thoughts, but today has been emotional exhausting for RL reasons and they will have to wait until tomorrow. But I wanted to get the rank-posting done before I forgot.

[Lail]

I'm not currently in the Cavalry, but for RP purposes in case you want to know, I was previously a Sperewigend, Sperewigend 1st Class and Paethfindian of the Westmark as Lailindeiel. I was not enlisted a terribly long time, from approx. fall 2003 to early 2005.

[Shivased]

I guess I should do my own roll-call here, huh, since I called for it.

I was Dryhtguma of the Sceaduwigend Corthor, Aethelwigend, Paethfindian and 3rd, 2nd and 1st marshal. All in the Eastmark. I also did train as a haelend but never held the rank.

@Allafyrefleorhtlig We do allow people from other kingdoms to join. We just ask that they create a Rohirric character to join, to avoid the confusion of having elves and dwarves and minions running around.

@Lailorn - You're not in the Cavalry now, but would you like to be? *innocent look*

[Eldrith]

Also: I will join up officially after the festival is over and that other matter is ehm.. settled.. (glances at Shiva). Also.. I am a delicate flower!

[Gwai]

With so many experienced officers returning, and a lot of open positions to fill, I was wondering what everyone thought about possibly holding elections for the offices of Marshals? We have quite a few returning cavalry members who have held the rank of Marshal in the past, as well as many experienced officers who I’m sure would appreciate the opportunity to serve in this role. We have a lot of talent to draw from, and I think we have a good precedent in the Admin elections, which was a fair way of deciding things and seems to have gone quite smoothly. The “NuPlaza” way!

[Rowena Ellenweorc]

@Lailorn As the Westmark Marshal, and as Westmark is the only Eored without a Paeth, I concur with Shivased, we could use your loveliness back in Cav.

@Gwai We do have some plans on filling that last Marshal position, however if people prefer elections, I'm not opposed to the idea.

Positions held -- Squire (Meduseld), Bodyguard (Westmark), Dungeon Guard(WestmarK), Dryhtguma (Westmark) x3, Haelend(Westmark), Bealdorhaelend, Westmark Marshal, 3rd and 2nd Marshal. (Currently Bealdorhaelend and 2nd Marshal in the WestMark)

[The Good Hunter]

Whilst I have never been a member of the Cavalry, nor a member of Rohan, I would like to tentatively put forward an NPC or two that could join and help fill out the lower ranks while the upper levels are being voted on.

However, if it's not the right time or you're uncomfortable with another kingdom joining I understand.

[Allacan ob Burzum]

Oooh ooh ooh @Frostbite are you joining the cavalry!!! Please, please say yes! And obviously not as Frost, right?

@Lailorn Another positive reason for me to have refused the rank of Westmark Paeth myself. Once an Eastmarker. Always an Eastmarker. Pleeeeease come back

@Rowena Ellenweorc Oooh, what are “Squire (Meduseld), Bodyguard (Westmark) and Dungeon Guard(WestmarK)” precious? Were these new ranks/roles I missed after I had gone off plaza? Did people start taking on specific roles for their characters or something? I presume these are Rowena’s roles given you suggested NPC’s cannot hold rank? I really hope we AREN’T including our NPC’s ranks because I had a secondary cavalry characters through years ago (the old guy called Wulfric? who used to sing “Marry me, marry me, my Marshal fair” at @Shivased) and he definitely had some sort of councillor or sub commander role (possibly Aethelwigend) during the time when Allacan was an assassin but I was active in Rohan, but I absolutely cannot recall what that rank was and Wayback machine is terrible for that period (I’m still gutted I can’t find the full song, I was proud of that one!)

Also, I like @Gwai’s idea. I think having an elected Marshal’s team would be a really lovely way for people to feel like they have a say in the cavalry no matter their rank, and reflective of the openness and player-led tone of Nuplaza.

As long as there is a limit to how long people hold the position for. I remember the days when promotion was so difficult because the roster was full and no-one was leaving, and with a smaller player base it would be nice if different people (and different combinations of Marshals) could be given a chance to lead, to bring in fresh ideas, and to try their own particular flavour of cavalry.

Just so I am clear though, are we thinking nominations only for the whole Marshal team or just the empty position right now?

[Shivased]

@Frostbite Oooh, join away! We can use all the peoples we can get! As long as you have a Rohrric character, that works. People of other kingdoms are welcome!

@Rowena Ellenweorc LOL, I'm only looking for official Cavalry ranks that are found on the roster. Squire, Bodyguard and Dungeon Guard are interesting, but not official.

@Gwai That idea sounds interesting. It would fall in line with the spirit of the NuPlaza and serve a couple important purposes. People would have a choice and say in what goes on in the Cavalry, and it could potentially bring in new, fresh ideas and opportunities for the plaza. With so many former marshals, it's not like we don't have a great pool to choose from.

@Allafyrefleorhtlig That's an interesting question. For admins we did vote on the whole admin team. No former admins got the rank just because they were on the old plaza. I'm not opposed to either option, and if people choose to go with voting for an entirely new marshal team, I would be willing to go with that and give up my rank if not chosen as a marshal. Democracy is a wonderful thing

(Edited to reply to Alla. Apparently we think alike on where to post this morning)

[Gwai]

I was a Dryhtguma of the Meduseld Goldagedraeg during the Southern Storm Campaign, and then pæthfindian, also in Meduseld.

@Allafyrefleorhtlig @Shivased In the interest of fairness, we should probably vote on all 3 marshal positions. We could nominate those we think would excel in this position, much like happened in the Admin election, and then email say our top two choices to a neutral 3rd party (say one of the admins?)

Edit because I didn't see this before: I agree @Allafyrefleorhtlig that term limits would probably be a good idea!

[Allacan ob Burzum]

I just re-read the ranks in @Rowena Ellenweorc's post and saw that she had 'Dryhtguma' x3 ?! My mind suddenly imagined a terrifying 3-headed Dryhtguma! I have been playing too much D&D recently

Can I make a recommendation if it is for all three positions, that any 'election' would be for the rank of Marshal, and not specifically First or Second or Third; I think the hierarchy between Marshals should be something decided by them after the three are chosen, negotiated between themselves, and not voted on. If the focus is to create a strong, cohesive, player-chosen Marshal's team then we don't want to trip up ourselves overthinking who would be First, Second or Third.

[Shivased]

@Allafyrefleorhtlig Yes, definitely. The new marshals could discuss between them who wants to be 1st, 2nd, or 3rd and what eored they want. That is definitely something a marshal team needs to decide on their own. I also like the idea of a term of service for marshals. Something like a year. Keeps things from getting to stagnant, though new marshals would have to be staggered, so it isn't a complete turnover each time.

[Winddancer]

@Allafyrefleorhtlig @Shivased In the interest of fairness, we should probably vote on all 3 marshal positions. We could nominate those we think would excel in this position, much like happened in the Admin election, and then email say our top two choices to a neutral 3rd party (say one of the admins?)

We would be more than happy to help you guys out! (As long as you do the leg work and figure out who is allowed to vote and checking former titles!) I suggest sending the votes to the admin email, that way it will be seen by all and no bias.

Sounds like a fantastic idea to vote for all three, that way you can keep it totally democratic, just like Narv envisioned for this site, but also ensures that no one gets stepped on just cause they werent the first to open a thread. Might be something we keep in mind for future threads as a lot of people have worked many years for their titles and this seems like the most fair and democratic way of dealing with that (thinking of borrowing this idea if we ever start up the army in Mordor..).

Well done guys, you make me proud! As me, not a minion, cause if it was as a minion, I would be disgusted by democracy, obviously..

[Amadhrill]

I have been sperewigend 1st class and hælend, I remember being in Meduseld and Eastmark eored, and I had totally forgotten about being in the Westmark, but I found it somehow in the Wayback machine to be true. Not sure which eored I served as hælends, but I think it might have been all three in turns. I was asked to become bealdorhælend, but declined due to RL, but the last part was only OOC.

Democracy rules! But also, I am so impressed and pleased with the job done to resurrect the cavalry, so I take my hat off for you guys, @Rowena Ellenweorc and @Shivased, and the job done.

RP wise, I haven't done this in ten years, so any training is welcome. I remember the big IK battles as a lot of fun, too! Some team building/brusing up on skills is much appreciated! I always had a special love for the Æthelmund, but I think most people are like me, with a limited time for this, so I am afraid that a resurrection of the Æthelmund would mean that the Ældsel (or whatever the new pub/inn will be named) might not have much visitors... But we need the biletwidox *looks innocently at the socalled delicate flower@Eldrith * I dont think Cnith would accept that, no matter what Ama and Eldrith say...

Also, if you need to write anything with æ in it, I volunteer, it is part of my mother tongue and on my keyboards

[Elarith]

My twopen’orth:

Ok, so ranks held as far as I can recall them:
Sperewigend
Sweordwigend (when they were a thing!)
?Magisterwigend (I think, unless I skipped this rank)
Æthelwigend
Third Marshal
?Second Marshal (Think I was mostly 3rd but 2nd for a bit while I was Ruler?)

All were in the Westmark. May have been a Feld between Æthel and Marshal but don’t think so. Never did any of the fancy specialised Paeth / Haelend stuff.

Elections:

Trying not to over-complicate things but if we are to do elections, might it be worth keeping (at least) one of either@Shivased and/ or @Rowena Ellenweorc so we get some continuity?

So vote for 1st Marshal - eitherShivased or Rowena.

Then votes for other 2 Marshal positions. Obviously both Shivased and Rowena can still be voted for in this part too so they can be Second / Third Marshal still.

Agree to the making all Marshals equal for voting in purposes. Maybe we should even do away with Second and Third and have them equal, with just First as Supreme Leader?

Would we then continue electing ever 6 months or year or so? Marshals to serve 2 back to back terms at most before rotating out?

I feel similar to @Amadhrill in terms of RP stuff - rusty! And happy to do any team building / training / whatevs.

[Allacan ob Burzum]

@Elarith I appreciate the idea, but I for one feel really uncomfortable about pitting Rowena and Shivased - who have been working so brilliantly as a team together for a long time - directly against each other. I know I would hate to have to pick between the two, and whoever lost would feel more worse than if it was an open election if it was only a two-man race.

I was possibly going to suggest that maybe keeping one person on for the continuity of a handover like old time’s sake would be handy, but again that would be pitting them against each other.

And yet if we are asking one of them to be willing to step down in an election it is completely unfair to let the other one not face that election.

I think I am presuming that at least one of them would be willing to stay on as Marshal and it is highly likely that people will support one or more of them in the votes and they could actually end up staying in place anyway, with no changes, if that’s what people want? Similar to some of the people who helped set up NuPlaza were also nominated as admins.

I dunno; I just know that if I was in Shivased or Rowena’s position I would feel happier competing for my post against everyone in a fair and open election rather than directly against my friend and comrade in a one on one competition.

Additionally, Shivased would be able to gain the rank of HCMA as a retired First Marshal and such people have historically been advisors to the Cavalry Council she could still support any new Marshal team during the handover period in any event.

[Shivased]

@Amadhrill and @Elarith There is definitely going to be a team-building activity very soon. As in, it's coming in the next couple days! I'm feeling a bit rusty as well, so it should be fun!

Also, for elections, I'd rather if we did it, we vote for all three marshal positions out of who gets nominated. I don't like the idea of being given a free pass because I'm already here. All of the current Cavalry members would make good marshals, and quite a few have previously been. So I don't feel like a lot of a hand-over would be needed. I can also take the HCMA rank and be the "advisor" and do a hand-over that way if one is needed.

[Elarith]

@Allafyrefleorhtlig Yeah I didn’t like the feel of Shivased vs Rowena but couldn’t think how else to guarantee one or the other still being in command. As @Shivased says though, more like than not anyone elected would be a former Marshal anyway. I think I was more thinking about if things were in the planning pipeline and then we ended up with 3 new Marshals and how that would go.

Pleased to hear a de-rusting is being organised

[Taethowen]

Also, I like @Gwai’s idea. I think having an elected Marshal’s team would be a really lovely way for people to feel like they have a say in the cavalry no matter their rank, and reflective of the openness and player-led tone of Nuplaza.

As long as there is a limit to how long people hold the position for. I remember the days when promotion was so difficult because the roster was full and no-one was leaving, and with a smaller player base it would be nice if different people (and different combinations of Marshals) could be given a chance to lead, to bring in fresh ideas, and to try their own particular flavour of cavalry.

Just so I am clear though, are we thinking nominations only for the whole Marshal team or just the empty position right now?

I love this idea. And I love the idea of elections for Marshals in the future, too, not just now. Because like @Allafyrefleorhtlig I was also one of those Cav members who was active during the Plaza's prime days (as the final two LOTR movies were coming out), and I was Aerest Paeth for at least two years simply because no higher ranks opened up in that time.

I think that the elections should be for the entire Marshal team. There have already been some excellent points made in this thread on that reason.


It would be awesome to see some more of our retired Cav members here, especially if you all might be interested in joining up again eventually. Even if you're not re-joining, could you share your old ranks with us? It'd be neat to see who has what experience if people need advice on something as the Cavalry is revived. If I tag you and you're not Cav from the 'old plaza' I'm so sorry!

@Aodh Hammerhelm @Elvheimdros @Bereth @Eléowyn @Thalionwen @Culfinwen Lihtarwe

If any of you know of any others who were in the Cavalry way back when and are now on here, could you tag them? Thanks!

[Lail]

Thanks, Shiva and Rowena. I'm not sure now is the right time for me to sign up, but I if I decide to do so you'll see me in the Dragon Room.

@Amhran and @Wamba_the_Fool and @Idesinholde were both Westmarkers with me once if I recall correctly. @Lealnemarr was also in the Cavalry. <Edit: also @Hasufel >

[Thalionwen Hunigfolm]

I was formerly a Sperewigend and I thiiiiiink one rank higher than that in 2005ish, but the Wayback Machine is being a Bilbo for me and I can't look it up. But I left the regular ranks after that to train as a Haelend, and served in that capacity in the Eastmark--all my postings were in the Eastmark, in fact.

[Wamba_the_Fool]

Blædtunge started life as a Pæthfindian in the best Westmark Eored. (I don't remember who trained me but I distinctly remembering answering one of the questions about how I would talk without being heard by answering that I would intentionally lisp with voiced th's instead of s's. And I got through! ) Ended up as Marshal of the Wild Westmark, which honestly was a great honor. Good times.

Having said that, I'm not looking to join up presently.

[Eléowyn]

Thank you, @Taethowen for asking us old-timers for input.

I was always a member of the Westmark, having joined that eored out of admiration for Blædtunge, who then promptly resigned. To be honest, I can’t recall the names of all the ranks I held because the designations changed. They were mostly rank and file, though I was Feldmarshal at one time. When I became a ruler, I stepped down to allow someone else a chance at leadership.

I think this NuPlaza is a different creature from Old Plaza. There’s a much more mature vibe, which is not to say the fun and frivolity are missing. I feel as if I watched many of you grow up. Some of you were young teenagers back in the early days and now you’re grown up with families of your own! What I’m awkwardly trying to say is, I think any one of you is capable of great leadership and I would love to see anyone who wants that responsibility to have the opportunity.

For that reason I like the idea of limited terms, and I also think elections are a more viable option than they might have been back in the hey-day. But having said all that, my perspective on this matter isn’t particularly relevant as I have no plans to rejoin the cavalry. This old wigend is enjoying retirement.

[Wamba_the_Fool]

I was always a member of the Westmark, having joined that eored out of admiration for Blædtunge, who then promptly resigned.

Yeah, I... Yeah. Folly of youth.

[Rowena Ellenweorc]

@Allafyrefleorhtlig okay so Bodyguard and Dungeon Guard were mostly joking... Squire was a rank an NPC of mine held because he wasn't allowed to train yet because he was a little on the young side so he served as squire to Equi. ;) And yes... definitely had a 3 headed Dryhtguma. HAHAHAHAHAHA (No, its just I've had three different Dryhts. One was made to be my PC while Rowena was preggers and now is dead. The other is Audley. And obviously Rowena was a Dryht at one point)

And holy crap... I'm gone a few hours this thread blows up.... I'll catch up on the rest tomorrow.

[Allacan ob Burzum]

Regarding the ex-cavalry, don’t forget @Éolath (my WORD that accent made it hard to tag you!) and possibly also @Rior Laegiel?

@Rowena Ellenweorc The cavalry doesn’t allow people to join until they are 16 so a squire would probably not be a cavalry rank; it would be a personal arrangement between Equi and the boy’s family and not something to show on the roster, so not really relevant here? Also I think for simplicity’s sake we stick with the ranks that people’s characters have held, that way Dryhtguma only needs to be listed once as we are listing people’s ranks held, not necessarily their characters. Glad it’s not a 3-headed monstrosity though

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

I was one of the Meduseld éored from 2005 through to 2011'ish.

Aodh served as a sperewigend, after training under the redoubtable Rock. He was Æthel of a cohort. He briefly served as Meduseld Marshal, resulting in the razing of the Æthelmund Tavern by NPC: Rustbucket Dooley.

Ælfred the One-eyed, another NPC, also served in the Meduseld éored. He was trained, twice if memory serves me, by @Shivased.

Election of all Marshals seems a fair way ahead. A term of office is also a great idea.

Aodh is unlikely to rejoin the Cav' at this point, but Ælfred might. And if there are positions for squires, Ringbold Took also.

[Shivased]

@Aodh Hammerhelm twice? How did I train you twice? Did we time-warp at some point?

[Allacan ob Burzum]

Also, apparently if you edit a post and add in a mention it doesn't actually create a notification for the new mention, so I'll re-prod @Hasufel so they don't miss it.

Additionally, as Shivased recently confirmed that we have a rule that people are allowed one secondary character in the Cavalry, it would appear that both First Marshal Shiva and Second Marshal Rowena both have a secondary NPC serving as their personal aid or ceorl; Shiva had her Ceorl Haru (in addition to her NPC Dryhtguma Jacen) and Rowena has her personal aid Esme (in addition to Audley). I imagine that these personal assistants are more like PAs or secretaries rather than rank-holding cavalry members. They might even be civilians and under the personal pay of each Marshal rather than funded out of the cavalry's pocket, and retire from the role when the Marshal retires, hence why they do not show on the roster.

And now I think about it like that, I now think the role that my secondary NPC Wulfric kinda held merged both my secondary NPC and my assistant; he was Allacan's right-hand man who also stood in for her when she wasn't able to be there. On that basis he may have even been an NPC Feldmarshal, which would mean I have also been a Feldmarshal of the Eastmark (how I wish I could open those Dragon Rooms).

@Shivased and @Rowena Ellenweorc; a couple more recommendations from your HCMA here; is it worth actually compiling a list of the current cavalry rules (PCs must be 16 or over, only one secondary NPC except Marshals who get an additional NPC 'aid/ceorl', non-Rohir can join as long as they play a rohir character, etc.) to avoid any further questions or confusion? The Dragon Room opening post could also do with having Audley and Jacen adding to the roster if Grimthain is on there, a link to this thread adding in to the OP and you may even want to put in an OOC announcement in the DR encouraging people to check in here like we used to do for Roll Calls? Or do you think the mention/notification negates the need for that?

Does anyone else have or want to have a secondary cavalry NPC to fill up the roster @Taethowen, @Elarith, @Gwai, @Amadhrill?

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

@Shivased ,
His RL master lapsed from activity for a year, and Ælfred went AWOL. Cav' rules required retraining for extended absences.

@Allafyrefleorhtlig,
I agree about NPCs being Rohir, but as Merry was made a thain by Éomer and Éowyn (cannon) it seems not beyond the realms of possibility that holbytan might prove an exception (if only as camp cooks?).

[Taethowen]

@Shivased and @Rowena Ellenweorc; a couple more recommendations from your HCMA here; is it worth actually compiling a list of the current cavalry rules (PCs must be 16 or over, only one secondary NPC except Marshals who get an additional NPC 'aid/ceorl', non-Rohir can join as long as they play a rohir character, etc.) to avoid any further questions or confusion? The Dragon Room opening post could also do with having Audley and Jacen adding to the roster if Grimthain is on there, a link to this thread adding in to the OP and you may even want to put in an OOC announcement in the DR encouraging people to check in here like we used to do for Roll Calls? Or do you think the mention/notification negates the need for that?

Does anyone else have or want to have a secondary cavalry NPC to fill up the roster @Taethowen, @Elarith, @Gwai, @Amadhrill?

OH PLEASE, yes, let's have a list of updated rules, whether OOC and/or IC. I know a *lot* changed in the 10+ years I was not on the Plaza (and I'm sure it changed out of necessity) but the only 'rules' even currently available are just thread rules in the Dragon Room. Nothing about actual Cavalry stuff. So it's easy to feel lost.

Also, yes, I'm interested in have a secondary Cavalry NPC, but I need to create them, lolol.

Also, another thought - since we're allowing non-Kingdom members to enter the Cav as Rohir secondary characters, do we want to whip up some recruitment ads, @Shivased? (Totally volunteering to do this, btw. Just want your go-ahead first!)

[Silky Gooseness]

Just for the record I was a Dryhtguma of Eastmark training for Hæland, character Garaenlic, but not intending to bring him back right now because it’s confusing for me to have characters that don’t start with the name Sil

[Allacan ob Burzum]

@Aodh Hammerhelm I also know at least one cavalry member who served alongside me role-playing brilliantly as an elf @Lealnemarr; I suspect the rule should be that preferably anyone joining the cavalry plays a Rohir with exceptions to the rule being allowed at the Marshals' discretion.

@Sil Maybe he takes on a new name, Silaenlic? Silgaraenlic is a bit too mouthy.

[Thalionwen Hunigfolm]

@Sil I think Silendris should join the Cavalry, as someone who, until recently, inhabited a Rohir body

[Shivased]

@Allafyrefleorhtlig I am working on compiling the list of Cavalry rules, and will add them to the OP in the Dragon Room when I have a few extra minutes. Adding Jacen and Audley I can do too, though I'm not sure where to add Jacen yet....he's only a Sperewigend because he's only 15 and not....technically...a full member of the Cavalry. He just runs errands and helps where Shiv orders him to. I'll think of where to put him eventually or he'll turn 16 and make it official, lol.

I will update the Dragon Room soon, with links and rules and everything. Given how hard it is to find DRs that open in the Wayback Machine, this current one has an OP that is growing and needs adding to constantly. Eventually we will have a full, comprehensive OP back!

And yes, Haru is Shiv's ceorl and paid by her personally. He's not actually Cavalry, just appears from time to time to bring her tea and stuff.

I think tagging people here is sufficient to make sure everyone sees it. Most people have posted already stating their former ranks and stuff, which works as a roll call. I love the ability to tag people, it works great for this stuff!

Also @Rowena Ellenweorc I was recently asked if people outside Rohan who have a character in the Cavalry will be allowed to have a secondary character too? Technically their Cavalry character is a secondary character, but I'm not opposed to them having two. Makes sense that they would be allowed if everyone else is. What do you think?

@Taethowen If you want to make up a banner, I'm all for it! I am horrible at banners, so someone making one would be great. Recruiting would be awesome and hopefully get us some more members to play with! @Rowena Ellenweorc or I can then do a blurb for the Cavalry and post it in the general announcements thread!

Also, there have always been exceptions to the rule about Rohirric characters, as long as it is approved by a marshal, so if someone has valid reasons not to RP a Rohir, they can easily discuss it with Rowena or I. (NO orcs. though. It's not good to fight alongside someone who might eat you after the battle. )

[Amhran]

@Amhran and @Wamba_the_Fool and @Idesinholde were both Westmarkers with me once if I recall correctly. @Lealnemarr was also in the Cavalry. <Edit: also @Hasufel >

Myes, I was. (@Lealnemarr! You're here! I remember you!) I was a Marshal briefly, but I don't remember whether I was First or Third.

[Gwai]

@Allafyrefleorhtlig I'm going to avoid another character right now, just concentrate on Gwai. I'll re-evaluate in a few months though! Besides, then we won't have everyone going through training at the same time. Spread it out a little

[Elvheimdros]

I'm glad to be asked for my input but I honestly remember very little! I'm pretty sure I was in the Eastmark éored and think I wound up as a marshal at some point, but I think this was pretty much right before my Plaza activity really dropped off. I remember being interested in trying to improve Cav organization, but details I'd have to look up.

[Shivased]

Oooh, @Amhran! Post in the Courtyard so I can complete your training and send you on your way!!! Don't care how bad your post is, just want to get you finished!

[Amhran]

@Shivased Who, me? I've not done any training on the NuPlaza; I meant I was in the Cavalry nearly two decades ago. Oh, the fun we had.

Your offer makes me happy though, and I probably would if I wasn't so booked up IRL. Maybe someday. :-)

Speaking of which, I actually shouldn't be on the computer right now because there are dishes to wash and strawberry jam to make and a passel of kids who need a washcloth to the face...

[Wamba_the_Fool]

Speaking of which, I actually shouldn't be on the computer right now because there are dishes to wash and strawberry jam to make and a passel of kids who need a washcloth to the face...

What, before the jam?

[Shivased]

@Amhran did I confuse you with someone? Cuz I do that a lot. *goes to look* Yep, I did. Nevermind.

[Rowena Ellenweorc]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW That was a lot of reading! Okay, I'll start with the the Marshals thing. I completely agree with elections and terms. HOWEVER on terms, I'd like to propose that we keep it closer to books in that we let the people decide when they've had enough of a particular Marshal or let the Marshal step down themselves rather than set a particular time limit since Cavalry isn't a rulership position. I feel like there does need to maintain some amount of consistency longer than the sample time limit of six months given. I also feel like we need to reserve the right for the Marshals to vote out Marshals that don't work cohesively with the other Marshals so that we can maintain a good team balance.
The other thing on voting is traditionally, with a few exceptions, we've had Marshals ranked up from their own Eored, which would at this point make things difficult given we don't have the numbers to have a fair voting system to have Marshals from each Eored. Shivased and I did have in mind someone to appoint for Meduseld after this training event, so perhaps maybe election system could start after the Cavalry event, once everyone sees how we three marshals work together?

@Shivased On secondary characters, I don't have much of an opinion other than I would prefer primary characters to get ranked before secondary characters. And yes, we have always had a rule that others from other kingdoms can join as long as they play a Rohir, and if they cannot play a Rohir, they have to have a good excuse for not playing a Rohir (ie when I first joined Rohan, I was allowed to play my elf, but I switched to a Rohir when we went to regions because I couldn't think of a good reason to have an elf character in third age Rohan)

On other kingdoms having a secondary character? I don't see why the heck not. As long as they are willing to play that many characters actively that's fine hahaha.

PS @Allafyrefleorhtlig Esme is mostly because we're short on Haelends, and she may disappear when we get more haelends. Or at least retire to Rowena's farm when we don't need space filled in the haelends hahahaha. Which brings me to the point of Shiv, can we list Esme as 'Filler haelend?' on the roster?

My one thing I do suggest though is that below Marshal/Feldmarshal ranks people keep indefinitely. Example, Bealdorhaelend or Aerest Paeth. I say this because changing who is in charge of the ranks which we have only one for each Eored at any given point in time can be utterly confusing.

[Dimcairien Luiniel]

Just popping in here as I've expressed interest in joining the Calvary (as a Rhoir, so you don't need to worry about any minions in the Cav :D).

The idea of voting in Marshals sounds good to me. But my main question is, who would be allowed to vote? Is it limited to just Rohir or does anyone who has expressed interest in joining the Cavalry have a say?

[Rowena Ellenweorc]

@Dimcairien Luiniel A minion in the cav would be interesting. Alla's basically half minion though so it wouldn't be a first. (J/k Alla) But I would venture to say anyone in the cav is able to put up a vote.